Having heard favorable reports about America, Andreas Ropp resolved to emigrate there with his family rather than allow his sons to be drafted into the German army.

The journey, by boat, was made in 1826. After 46 days on the ocean the family landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They made there way to Lancaster, Pa. - this being a part of the country settled by Amishman, people of their religion.

After spending a few days in Lancaster, they decided to move on to Butler County, Ohio. Along the way they met families who were going to Canada. Fifty acres of land was given there to each settler.

Andreas' family changed original plans and journeyed to Canada. After three weeks they arrived at a village called Rumble Town (now Berlin), and near Kitchner, Ontario. They went on to Wilmot Township (an Amish settlement) where they were given 50 acres of land. $9.00 was spent for surveying. The boys hired out for $2.50 a month.

Because of the extreme cold weather, families began moving to Ohio. Andreas Ropp moved his family to Butler County, Ohio in 1832.

Land in Ohio was high priced. Since land in Illinois was less expensive, Andreas moved his family there in 1834.

Preceding the move, the mother, Elizabeth, passed away in 1834 and was buried in Butler County, Ohio.

Land was purchased by Andreas Ropp's sons in counties of Woodford, Tazewell, and McLean in Illinois.

Anreas Ropp passed away October 12, 1868 at 92 years of age. He was buried in what is now known as Ropp Cemetery near Carlock, Illinois.

A memorial stone marks his grave.

Information obtained here by Marie and Peter Ropp from autobiography of Christian Ropp as translated from German by Peter S. and Edwin O. Ropp in 1897.

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I am a descendent of Christian Ropp. He is my 3rd great grandfather. We have a fair amount of information on Christian Ropp and his descendents but virtually nothing on the other children born to Andreas and Elizabeth. Looking for any information that you may have.